Carl Martin Surf Trem V3 vs JHS Tidewater Tremolo
The Carl Martin Surf Trem V3 and the JHS Tidewater Tremolo are both pedals sharing modulated, smooth. The Carl Martin Surf Trem V3 leans transparent. The JHS Tidewater Tremolo leans spring. Current prices: $79.09 vs $148.
cited
Blended from circuit-archetype lineage, dynamic feel, tone-signal overlap and tone-vector distance — the tone vector itself is derived from editorial description text, not a measured acoustic signal, so this reflects how similarly the catalog copy describes the two, not a lab measurement. Shown only within a gear class, and only where there's enough evidence to be meaningful.53% — moderately similar
cited
Genres both listings are associated with.- Blues
- Country
cited
Derived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.- modulated
- smooth
cited
Citation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.$79.09via Reverb
$148via Reverb
The Carl Martin Surf Trem V3 is the third generation of Carl Martin's optical tremolo pedal, using a photocell (light-dependent resistor) circuit to produce natural, lamp-like amplitude modulation. The optical circuit provides the smooth, musical tremolo character associated with vintage tube amplifier onboard tremolo, with a more organic response than electronic LFO designs. Version 3 brings refinements to the Rate and Depth controls for improved usability. Danish boutique construction. Suited for surf, country, vintage rock, and blues players who want authentic optical tremolo character.
The JHS Tidewater is a compact optical tremolo pedal that faithfully recreates the warm, vintage amp tremolo character of classic tube amplifiers. Three controls — Volume (output level), Mix (tremolo depth from none to fully wet), and Speed (rate of oscillation) — are complemented by an LED indicator that pulses in sync with the tremolo speed. The Tidewater produces smooth, musical amplitude modulation without the hard-edged choppy character of square-wave tremolo designs. True bypass.
cited
Genres this gear is documented as being used in.- Rock
- Electronic
- Classic Rock
- transparent
- spring